Temperature fuse, and battery using the same

ABSTRACT

A thermal fuse includes an insulating case having a bottom and having an opening provided therein, a fusible alloy provided in the insulating case, a lead conductor having one end connected to the fusible alloy and other end led out from the insulating case through the opening of the insulating case, a flux provided on the fusible alloy, and a sealer for sealing the opening of the insulating case. The volume of a space between the fusible alloy in the insulating case and the sealer is larger than the volume of the flux. Sealing of the fuse is prevented from deteriorating, and the insulating film is prevented from damage even when the thermal fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a thermal fuse and a battery including the fuse.

BACKGROUND ART

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a conventional thermal fuse. The conventional thermal fuse shown in FIG. 32 includes fusible alloy 2 including tin and a pair of lead conductors 3 connected to respective ends of the alloy 2. The connectors may be connected by welding or supersonic welding, or by melting the fusible alloy 2 with an electrical power applied to the lead conductors 3 and the fusible alloy 2. The fusible alloy 2 is coated with flux 4, and accommodated in insulating case 1 having an opening. The opening of the insulating case 1 is sealed with sealer 5 made of hard resin.

In the conventional thermal fuse, the flux 4 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, thus removing an oxide from a surface of the fusible alloy 2. Then, when the ambient temperature further increases and exceeds the melting point of the fusible alloy 2, the fusible alloy 2 melts to break electricity. For reliably achieving the fusing, the flux 4 is applied to a wide portion of the entire surface of the fusible alloy 2. When the thermal fuse melts, arc is generated between respective tips of melting fusible alloy 2. In particular, when a high voltage or a large current is applied, energy of the arc is increased. The arc energy vaporizes or decomposes the flux 4 provided on the fusible alloy 2. This rapidly increases the number of molecules in the insulating case 1 sealed with the sealer 5, thus increasing a pressure in a space in the thermal fuse. If the energy of the arc is large, the energy may cause the sealing to deteriorate or otherwise damage the insulating case 1 of the thermal fuse. Therefore, the conventional thermal fuse cannot be used as a thermal fuse for breaking a high voltage or a large current.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A thermal fuse includes an insulating case having a bottom and having an opening provided therein, a fusible alloy provided in the insulating case, a lead conductor having one end connected to the fusible alloy and another end led out of the insulating case through the opening of the insulating case, a flux provided on the fusible alloy, and a sealer for sealing the opening of the insulating case. The volume of a space in the insulating case between the fusible alloy and the sealer is larger than the volume of the flux.

The thermal fuse is configured such that the volume of the space in the insulating case between the fusible alloy and the sealer is larger than the volume of the flux provided on the fusible alloy. Therefore, when the flux melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux moves into the space in the insulating case between the fusible alloy and the sealer. Accordingly, only a small amount of flux remains on the fusible alloy. Therefore, even when arc is generated between tips of the melting fusible alloy according to a further increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of the fusible alloy, the amount of flux vaporized due to the arc can be reduced. This suppresses a pressure rise of the space in the thermal fuse, thus preventing the seal from deteriorating and preventing the insulating case in the thermal fuse from damage even when the fuse is used at a high voltage or a large current.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a radial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a radial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 2 of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an axial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 3 of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an axial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 4 of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an axial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 5 of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 6 of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the fuse at line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the fuse at line 13-13 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a thin thermal fuse according to exemplary Embodiment 7 of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 7.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 8 of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse according to Embodiment 8.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 8.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 8.

FIG. 21 is a top view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 9 of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the fuse at line 22-22 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the fuse at line 23-23 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 9.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 10 of the invention.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 10.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 11 of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse according to Embodiment 11.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 11.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux according to Embodiment 11.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a battery according to exemplary Embodiment 13 of the invention.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a conventional thermal fuse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Exemplary Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a radial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. A cylindrical or rectangular insulating case 11 having a bottom and having an opening provided therein is made of one of polybutylene telephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene telephthalate (PET), phenol resin, ceramic, and glass. Fusible alloy 12 having substantially a cylindrical or rectangular shape is provided in the insulating case 11. The fusible alloy 12 is made of one of tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, indium, cadmium, silver, copper, and alloy of these metals. Respective ends of a pair of lead conductors 13 are connected to respective ends of the fusible alloy 12. Respective other ends of the lead conductors 13 are led out of the insulating case 11 through the opening of the insulating case 11. The lead conductors 13 have a wire shape and may be made of single metal, such as copper, iron, nickel, or alloy of these metals, and have their surfaces plated with one of tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, indium, cadmium, silver, copper, and alloy of these metals. The fusible alloy 12 is coated with flux 14. The flux 14 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, thereby removing a oxide film on the fusible alloy 12. The flux 14 includes not less than 20 wt. % of amide stearate, and preferably 30 wt. %. Since the flux 14 which melts has a small viscosity due to amide stearate, the flux 14 reliably moves when melting according to an increase of the ambient temperature. The opening of the insulating case 11 is sealed with sealer 15 made of hard resin, such as epoxy or silicon. The fusible alloy 12 and the lead conductors 13 are connected by welding or supersonic welding, or by melting the fusible alloy 12 with an electrical power supplied to the lead conductors 13 and the fusible alloy 12.

According to Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the volume of a space in the insulating case 11 between the fusible alloy 12 and the sealer 15 is larger than the volume of the flux 14.

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 2, the radial-type thermal fuse of Embodiment 1 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space between the fusible alloy 12 and the sealer 15 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 12. The volume of a space in the insulating case 11 between the fusible alloy 12 and the sealer 15 is larger than the volume of the flux 14. Therefore, when the flux 14 melts according to the increase of the ambient temperature, most of the flux 14 melts and then reliably moves into the space in the insulating case 11 between the fusible alloy 12 and the sealer 15 due to the gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 14 existing on the fusible alloy 12. Thus, even when arc is generated between respective tips of fusible alloy 12 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of the fusible alloy 12, vaporization of the flux 14 due to the arc is reduced. Accordingly, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 1 is suppressed, the sealer is prevented from deteriorating and the insulating case 11 is prevented from damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage. The flux 14 includes not less than 20 wt. % of amide stearate, preferably 30 wt. %, and thus, the flux 14 which melts has a small viscosity and moves smoothly.

Exemplary Embodiment 2

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a radial-type thermal fuse according to exemplary Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. The thermal fuse of Embodiment 2 includes the same components as those of a thermal fuse of Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The fuse of embodiment 2 is configured differently from that of Embodiment 1, specifically, the volume of a space in an insulating case 11 between a fusible alloy 12 and a bottom of an insulating case 11 is larger than the volume of flux 14, as shown in FIG. 3

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 4, the radial-type thermal fuse of Embodiment 2 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space between the fusible alloy 12 and the bottom of the insulating case 11 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 12. According to Embodiment 2, the volume of a space in the insulating case 11 between the fusible alloy 12 and the inner bottom of the insulating case 11 is larger than the volume of the flux 14. Therefore, when the flux 14 melts due to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 14 reliably moves into the space in the insulating case 11 between the fusible alloy 12 and the bottom of the insulating case 11 due to the gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 14 remains on the fusible alloy 12. Thus, even when arc is generated between respective tips of fusible alloy 12 which melts due to a further increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of the fusible alloy 12, vaporization of the flux 14 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 2, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, the sealer is prevented from deteriorating and the insulating case 11 is prevented from damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 3

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an axial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. An insulating case 21 having a cylindrical or rectangular shape and having openings provided therein is made of one of polybutylene telephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene telephthalate (PET), phenol resin, ceramic, and glass. Fusible alloy 22 having substantially a cylindrical or rectangular shape is provided in the insulating case 21. The fusible alloy 22 is made of one of tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, indium, cadmium, silver, copper, and alloy of these metals. Respective ends of a pair of lead conductors 23 are connected to respective ends of the fusible alloy 22. Respective other ends of the lead conductors 23 are led out of the insulating case 21 through the openings of the insulating case 21. The lead conductors 23 have a wire shape and are made of single metal, such as copper, iron, nickel, and alloys of these metals, and have their surfaces plated with one of tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, indium, cadmium, silver, and copper, and alloys of these metals. The fusible alloy 22 is coated with flux 24, and the flux 24 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, thereby removing an oxide film on the fusible alloy 22. The openings at both sides of the insulating case 21 are sealed with sealers 25 made of hard resin, such as epoxy or silicon. The fusible alloy 22 and the lead conductors 23 are connected by welding or supersonic welding, or by melting the fusible alloy 22 with an electrical power applied to the lead conductors 23 and the fusible alloy 22.

According to Embodiment 3, the volume of a space in the insulating case 21 under the fusible alloy 22 and over a lower inner surface of the insulating case 21 is larger than the volume of the flux 24, as shown in FIG. 5

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 6, the radial thermal fuse of Embodiment 3 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space under the fusible alloy 22 and over the lower inner surface of the insulating case 21 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 22. According to Embodiment 2, the volume of the space in the insulating case 21 under the fusible alloy 22 and over the lower inner surface of insulating case 21 is larger than the volume of the flux 24. Therefore, when the flux 24 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 24 melts and reliably moves into the space in the insulating case 21 under the fusible alloy 22 and over the lower inner surface of the insulating case 21 due to the gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 14 remains on the fusible alloy 22. Thus, even when arc is generated between respective tips of fusible alloy 22 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of the fusible alloy 22, vaporization of the flux 24 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 3, since a pressure rise of the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, the sealers are prevented from deteriorating, and the insulating case 21 is prevented from damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 4

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an axial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. The thermal fuse of Embodiment 4 includes the same components as those of an axial-type thermal fuse of Embodiment 3 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The fuse of Embodiment 4 is configured differently from that of Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the volume of a space in the insulating case 21 over fusible alloy 22 and under the upper inner surface of insulating case 21 is larger than the volume of flux 24.

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 8, the thermal fuse of Embodiment 4 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space over the top side of fusible alloy 22 and under the upper inner surface of the insulating case 21 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 22. According to Embodiment 4, the volume of the space in the insulating case 21 over the top side of fusible alloy 22 and under the upper inner surface of the insulating case 21 is larger than the volume of the flux 24. Therefore, when the flux 24 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 24 melts and reliably moves into the space in the insulating case 21 over the top side of fusible alloy 22 and under the upper inner surface of the insulating case 21 due to gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 24 remains on the fusible alloy 22. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of fusible alloy 22 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of the fusible alloy 22, vaporization of the flux 24 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 4, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, the sealers are prevented from deteriorating, and the insulating case 21 is prevented from damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 5

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an axial-type thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. The thermal fuse of Embodiment 5 includes the same components as those of a thermal fuse of Embodiment 3 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The fuse of Embodiment 5 is configured differently from that of Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the volume of a space in the insulating case 21 between one end of the fusible alloy 22 and one of sealers 25 is larger than the volume of flux 24.

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 10, the thermal fuse of Embodiment 5 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space between one end of the fusible alloy 22 and one of the sealers 25 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 22. According to Embodiment 5, the volume of the space in the insulating case 21 between one end of the fusible alloy 22 and the sealer 25 is larger than the volume of the flux 24. Therefore, when the flux 24 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 24 melts and reliably moves into the space in the insulating case 21 between the one end of the fusible alloy 22 and the sealer 25 due to the gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 24 remains on the fusible alloy 22. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of fusible alloy 22 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of fusible alloy 22, vaporization of the flux 24 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 5, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, the sealers are prevented from deteriorating, and the insulating case 21 is prevented from damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 6

FIG. 11 is a top view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the fuse at line 12-12 in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the fuse at line 13-13 in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. A pair of metal terminals 32 are mounted to a first insulating film 31 having a plate shape and made of resin, such as polyethylene telephthalate or polyethylene naphthalate. A portion of each of the metal terminals 32 is exposed from a bottom of the film to the top of the film. The metal terminals 32 have a strip shape or a wire shape, and are formed by plating surfaces of conductive metal, such as copper or nickel, with solder, tin, copper or the like. Fusible alloy 33 is connected to portions of the metal terminals 32 above the first insulating film 31 at first end connecting portion 33 a and second end connecting portion 33 b, as shown in FIG. 12. The fusible alloy 33 is made of one of tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, indium, cadmium, silver, copper, and alloy of these metals. Flux 34 is coated on the fusible alloy 33, and is made of resin essentially including rosin, and the number of colors of the flux 34 ranges from 4 to 16. A second insulating film 35 having a sheet shape is mounted on the first insulating film 31 by sealing. The second insulating film 35 is positioned above the fusible alloy 33, so that a space is provided between the film 35 and the first insulating film 31. The second insulating film 35 is preferably made of the same material as that of the first insulating film 31. Thus, the fusible alloy 33 is covered with the first insulating film 31 and the second insulating film 35. The first insulating film 31 and the second insulating film 35 are fixed by sealing at first and second end sealing portions 36 a and 36 b, respectively, and at first and second side sealing portions 36 c and 36 d, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and are thus sealed at positions excluding an area where the fusible alloy 33 is located. The fusible alloy 33 is enclosed as above, thus being prevented from deteriorating.

According to Embodiment 6, as shown in FIG. 12, the volume of a space under the fusible alloy 33 and over the top surface of the first insulating film 31 is larger than the volume of the flux 34.

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 14, the thermal fuse of Embodiment 6 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space under the fusible alloy 33 and over the top surface of the first insulating film 31 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 33. According to Embodiment 6, the volume of the space under the fusible alloy 33 and over the top surface of the first insulating film 31 is larger than the volume of the flux 34. Therefore, when the flux 34 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 34 melts and reliably moves into the space under the fusible alloy 33 and over the top surface of the first insulating film 31 due to the gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 34 remains on the fusible alloy 33. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of the fusible alloy 33 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature to above the melting point of fusible alloy 33, vaporization of the flux 34 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 6, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, sealing is prevented from deteriorating and damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 7

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. The thermal fuse of Embodiment 7 includes the same components as those of a thin thermal fuse of Embodiment 6 shown in FIGS. 11 to 14. The fuse of Embodiment 7 is configured differently from that of Embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. 15, the volume of a space over the top side of fusible alloy 33 and under the second insulating film 35 is larger than the volume of flux 34.

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 16, the thermal fuse of Embodiment 7 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space over the top side of fusible alloy 33 and under the second insulating film 35 is positioned substantially in the same direction as gravity from the fusible alloy 33. According to Embodiment 7, the space volume over the top side of fusible alloy 33 and under the second insulating film 35 is larger than the volume of the flux 34. Therefore, when the flux 34 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 34 melts and then reliably moves into the space over the top side of the fusible alloy 33 and under the second insulating film 35 due to the gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 34 remains on the fusible alloy 33. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of fusible alloy 33 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of fusible alloy 33, vaporization of the flux 34 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 7, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, sealing is prevented from deteriorating or damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 8

FIGS. 17 and 18 are sectional views of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 8 of the present invention. FIGS. 19 and 20 are sectional views of the thermal fuse having melting flux. The thermal fuse of Embodiment 8 includes the same components as those of a thin thermal fuse of Embodiment 6 shown in FIGS. 11 to 14. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the fusible alloy 33 includes a first side portion 33 c and a second side portion 33 d. The fuse of Embodiment 8 is configured differently from that of Embodiment 6. As shown in FIGS. 17 (a first orientation) and 18 (a second orientation), the volume of a space between one side (e.g., one of the side portions or one of the connecting end portion sides) of the fusible alloy 33 and a sealing portion (e.g., one of the end sealing portions or one of the side sealing portions) of a first insulating film 31 and a second insulating film 35 is larger than the volume of flux 34.

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIGS. 19 (the first orientation) and 20 (the second orientation), the thermal fuse of Embodiment 8 is attached to the electronic device or a heating component, so that the space between one side of the fusible alloy 33 and the sealing portion of the first insulating film 31 and the second insulating film 35 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 33. According to Embodiment 8, the volume of the space between one side of the fusible alloy 33 and the sealing portion of the first insulating film 31 and the second insulating film 35 is larger than the volume of the flux 34. Therefore, when the flux 34 in use melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 34 melts and then reliably moves into the space between one side of the fusible alloy 33 and the sealing portion of the first insulating film 31 and the second insulating film 35 due to gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 34 remains on the fusible alloy 33. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of the fusible alloy 33 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of fusible alloy 33, vaporization of the flux 34 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 8, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, sealing is prevented from deteriorating and damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 9

FIG. 21 is a top view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 9 of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the fuse at line 22-22 in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the fuse at line 23-23 in FIG. 11. FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. A pair of metal terminals 42 having a width smaller than a width of first insulating film 41 are mounted to the first insulating film 41 having a plate shape and made of resin, such as polyethylene telephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate. The metal terminals 42 have a strip shape or a wire shape, and are formed by plating surfaces of a conductive metal, such as copper and nickel, with solder, tin, copper or the like. Fusible alloy 43 is connected to respective end portions of the metal terminals 42 and is positioned above the first insulating film 41. The fusible alloy 43 is made of one of tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, indium, cadmium, silver, copper, or alloy of these metals. Flux 44 is provided on the fusible alloy 43, and is made of resin essentially including rosin. The number of colors of the flux 44 ranges from 4 to 16. A second insulating film 45 having a sheet shape is mounted on the first insulating film 41 by sealing. The second insulating film 45 is positioned above the fusible alloy 43 to provide a space between the film 45 and the first insulating film 41. The second insulating film 45 is preferably made of the same material as that of the first insulating film 41. Thus, the fusible alloy 43 is covered with the first insulating film 41 and the second insulating film 45. The outer periphery of the first insulating film 41 and the outer periphery of the second insulating film 45 are fixed by sealing at positions excluding an area where the fusible alloy 43 is not located. The fusible alloy 43 is enclosed as above, thus being prevented from deteriorating.

According to Embodiment 9, as shown in FIG. 22, the volume of a space under the fusible alloy 43 and over the top surface of the first insulating film 41 is larger than the volume of the flux 44.

When used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 24, the thermal fuse of Embodiment 9 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space under the fusible alloy 43 and over the top surface of the first insulating film 41 is positioned substantially in the same direction as gravity from the fusible alloy 43. According to Embodiment 9, the volume of the space under the fusible alloy 43 and over the top surface of the first insulating film 41 is larger than the volume of the flux 44. Therefore, when the flux 44 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 44 melts and then reliably moves into the space under the fusible alloy 43 and over the top surface of the first insulating film 41 due to the gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 44 remains on the fusible alloy 43. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of the fusible alloy 43 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of fusible alloy 43, vaporization of the flux 44 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 9, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, the sealing is prevented from deteriorating or damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 10

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 10 of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the thermal fuse having melting flux. The thermal fuse of Embodiment 10 includes the same components as those of a thin thermal fuse of Embodiment 9 shown in FIGS. 21 to 24. The fuse of Embodiment 10 is configured differently from that of Embodiment 9. As shown in FIG. 25, the volume of a space over a top side of fusible alloy 43 and under a second insulating film 45 is larger than the volume of flux 44.

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIG. 26, the thermal fuse of Embodiment 10 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space over the top side of fusible alloy 43 and under the second insulating film 45 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 43. According to Embodiment 10, the volume of the space over the top side of fusible alloy 43 and under the second insulating film 45 is larger than the volume of the flux 44. Therefore, when the flux 44 in use melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 44 melts and then reliably moves into the space over the top side of fusible alloy 43 and under the second insulating film 45 due to gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 44 remains on the fusible alloy 43. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of the fusible alloy 43 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of fusible alloy 43, vaporization of the flux 44 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 10, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, the sealing is prevented from deteriorating or damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 11

FIGS. 27 and 28 are sectional views of a thin thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 11 of the present invention. FIGS. 29 and 30 are sectional views of the thermal fuse having melting flux. The thermal fuse of Embodiment 11 includes the same components as those of a thin thermal fuse of Embodiment 9 shown in FIGS. 21 to 24. The fuse of Embodiment 11 is configured differently from that of Embodiment 9. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the volume of a space between one side of the fusible alloy 43 and a sealing portion of a first insulating film 41 and a second insulating film 45 is larger than the volume of flux 44.

Upon being used on an electronic device or a heating component, such as a transformer or a motor, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the thermal fuse of Embodiment 11 is attached to the electronic device or the heating component, so that the space between one side of the fusible alloy 43 and the sealing portion of the first insulating film 41 and the second insulating film 45 is positioned substantially in the same direction as the gravity from the fusible alloy 43. According to Embodiment 11, the volume of the space between one side of the fusible alloy 43 and the sealing portion of the first insulating film 41 and the second insulating film 45 is larger than the volume of the flux 44. Therefore, when the flux 44 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature, most of the flux 44 melts and then reliably moves into the space between one side of the fusible alloy 43 and the sealing portion of the first insulating film 41 and the second insulating film 45 due to the gravity. As a result, only a small amount of the flux 44 remains on the fusible alloy 43. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of fusible alloy 43 which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of fusible alloy 43, vaporization of the flux 44 caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, in the thermal fuse of Embodiment 11, since a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, the sealing is prevented from deteriorating or damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 12

A thermal fuse according to Exemplary Embodiment 12 of the present invention includes a thermal fuse body composed of first and second insulating films for accommodating a fusible alloy of thermal fuses of Embodiments 6 to 11. The thermal fuse body has longitudinal length L1, width L2, and thickness L3 satisfying the following conditions:

2.0 mm≦L1≦5.0 mm;

1.5 mm≦L2≦3.5 mm; and

0.4 mm≦L3≦1.5 mm.

The conditions allow the thermal fuse to be thin and small. Further, the seal of the fuse is prevented from deteriorating or damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

Exemplary Embodiment 13

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a battery according to Exemplary Embodiment 13 of the present invention. The battery includes a battery body 51, a thermal fuse 52 electrically connected to the battery body 51, an external electrode 53 provided on a side of the battery body 51, and a protective circuit 54 electrically connected to the battery body 51. The thermal fuse 52 breaks a current at abnormal heating of the battery body 51. The thermal fuse 52 is one of thermal fuses of Embodiments 6 to 12. A terminal 55 of the thermal fuse 52 is electrically connected to the external electrode 53 of the battery body 51 by spot-welding or the like at a connection portion 56. A terminal 57 of the fuse 52 is electrically connected to the protective circuit 54 by spot-welding or the like at a connection portion 58. The thermal fuse 52 breaks the current when heat produced by the battery body 51 becomes larger than a predetermined level, or when abnormal heat is generated.

In the battery of Embodiment 13, when a flux in the thermal fuse 52 melts according to an increase of an ambient temperature during the use of the battery, the flux melts and then reliably moves into an inner space of the thermal fuse 52. Therefore, only a small amount of the flux remains on the fusible alloy. Accordingly, even when arc is generated between tips of the fusible alloy melting according to a further increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of the fusible alloy, vaporization of the flux caused by the arc is reduced. As a result, a pressure rise in the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed. Sealing of the thermal fuse 52 in the battery is prevented from deteriorating and damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A thermal fuse according to the present invention includes an insulating case having a bottom and having an opening provided therein, a fusible alloy provided in the insulating case, a lead conductor having one end connected to the fusible alloy and another end led out from the insulating case through the opening of the insulating case, a flux provided on the fusible alloy, and a sealer for sealing the opening of the insulating case. The volume of a space in the insulating case between the fusible alloy and the sealer is larger than the volume of the flux.

This configuration allows most of the flux to move into the space in the insulating case between the fusible alloy and the sealer when the flux melts due to an increase of an ambient temperature. As a result, only a small amount of the flux remains on the fusible alloy. Thus, even when arc is generated between tips of the fusible alloy which melts due to an increase of the ambient temperature above the melting point of the fusible alloy, vaporization of the flux caused by the arc is reduced. Accordingly, since a pressure rise of the space in the thermal fuse can be suppressed, sealing of the fuse is prevented from deteriorating, and the insulating case is prevented from damage even when the fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage. 

1. A thermal fuse, comprising: a first insulating film having a plate shape; a first metal terminal; a second metal terminal; a fusible alloy including a first side portion, a second side portion opposite said first side portion, a first end connecting portion, and a second end connecting portion, said first end connecting portion being connected to said first metal terminal and said second end connecting portion being connected to said second metal terminal; a volume of flux on said fusible alloy; a second insulating film sealed to said first insulating film along first and second end sealing portions and first and second side sealing portions to provide an enclosure for said fusible alloy, said volume of flux, a portion of said first metal terminal, and a portion of said second metal terminal; wherein said first end sealing portion is located closer to said first end connecting portion than to said second end connecting portion; wherein said second end sealing portion is located closer to said second end connecting portion than to said first end connecting portion; wherein said first side sealing portion is located closer to said first side portion of said fusible alloy than to said second side portion of said fusible alloy; wherein said second side sealing portion is located closer to said second side portion of said fusible alloy than to said first side portion of said fusible alloy; wherein a first space is defined within said enclosure between said first end connecting portion and said first end sealing portion, said first space being configured to receive a flow of said volume of flux; wherein a volume of said first space is larger than said volume of flux such that said volume of flux can be spaced apart from said fusible alloy when said volume of flux is in said first space; wherein a second space is defined within said enclosure between said first side portion of said fusible alloy and said first side sealing portion; and wherein a volume of said second space is larger than said volume of said flux such that said volume of flux can be spaced apart from said fusible alloy when said volume of flux is in said second space.
 2. The thermal fuse of claim 1, wherein said thermal fuse is configured to be positioned in one of a first orientation in which said first space is disposed below said fusible alloy such that said volume of flux flows down to said first space, and a second orientation in which said second space is disposed below said fusible alloy such that said volume of flux flows down to said second space.
 3. The thermal fuse of claim 2, wherein said fusible alloy is elongated and said first end connecting portion is located at a first longitudinal end of said fusible alloy and said second end connecting portion is located at a second longitudinal end of said fusible alloy such that, when said thermal fuse is in said first orientation, said elongated fusible alloy is vertical and, when said thermal fuse is in said second orientation, said fusible alloy is horizontal.
 4. The thermal fuse of claim 1, wherein said first insulating film and said second insulating film together define a thermal fuse body, said thermal fuse body having a longitudinal length L1, a width L2, and a thickness L3 satisfying: 2.0 mm≦L1≦5.0 mm; 1.5 mm≦L2≦3.5 mm; and 0.4 mm≦L3≦1.5 mm.
 5. The thermal fuse of claim 1, wherein said volume of flux includes not less than 20 wt. % of amide stearate.
 6. A battery comprising: a battery body, and a thermal fuse, said thermal fuse including: a first insulating film having a plate shape; a first metal terminal; a second metal terminal; a fusible alloy including a first side portion, a second side portion opposite said first side portion, a first end connecting portion, and a second end connecting portion, said first end connecting portion being connected to said first metal terminal and said second end connecting portion being connected to said second metal terminal, said fusible alloy being configured to melt due to heat from said battery body; a volume of flux on said fusible alloy; a second insulating film sealed to said first insulating film along first and second end sealing portions and first and second side sealing portions to provide an enclosure for said fusible alloy, said volume of flux, a portion of said first metal terminal, and a portion of said second metal terminal; wherein said first end sealing portion is located closer to said first end connecting portion than to said second end connecting portion; wherein said second end sealing portion is located closer to said second end connecting portion than to said first end connecting portion; wherein said first side sealing portion is located closer to said first side portion of said fusible alloy than to said second side portion of said fusible alloy; wherein said second side sealing portion is located closer to said second side portion of said fusible alloy than to said first side portion of said fusible alloy; wherein a first space is defined within said enclosure between said first end connecting portion and said first end sealing portion, said first space being configured to receive a flow of said volume of flux; wherein a volume of said first space is larger than said volume of flux such that said volume of flux can be spaced apart from said fusible alloy when said volume of flux is in said first space wherein a second space is defined within said enclosure between said first side portion of said fusible alloy and said first side sealing portion; and wherein a volume of said second space is larger than said volume of said flux such that said volume of flux can be spaced apart from said fusible alloy when said volume of flux is in said second space.
 7. The battery of claim 6, wherein said battery is configured to be positioned in one of a first orientation in which said first space is disposed below said fusible alloy such that said volume of flux flows down to said first space, and a second orientation in which said second space is disposed below said fusible alloy such that said volume of flux flows down to said second space.
 8. The battery of claim 7, wherein said fusible alloy is elongated and said first end connecting portion is located at a first longitudinal end of said fusible alloy and said second end connecting portion is located at a second longitudinal end of said fusible alloy such that, when said thermal fuse is in said first orientation, said elongated fusible alloy is vertical and, when said thermal fuse is in said second orientation, said fusible alloy is horizontal.
 9. The battery of claim 8, wherein said first insulating film and said second insulating film together define a thermal fuse body, said thermal fuse body having a longitudinal length L1, a width L2, and a thickness L3 satisfying: 2.0 mm≦L1≦5.0 mm; 1.5 mm≦L2≦3.5 mm; and 0.4 mm≦L3≦1.5 mm.
 10. The battery of claim 9, wherein said volume of flux includes not less than 20 wt. % of amide stearate. 